Theophilus [ThÔöÇ├┤Ôö╝├àph’ÔöÇ┬ílÔö╝┬ís]

Loved by god, lover of god, or friend of god.

A Christian of high rank for whose use Luke wrote his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles

Luke 1:3

Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honourableTheophilus,

Acts 1:1…In my first book(The reference is to the Gospel of Luke.) I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach

The term "most honourable," or (Your Excellency) used also of Felix and Festusindicates that Theophilus was a Roman official to whom Luke paid due deference

Acts 23:26

"From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!

Acts 24:3

For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you.

Acts 26:25

But Paul replied, "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth.

It indicates that Theophilus was a Roman official to whom Luke paid due deference, even though he was on intimate terms with him.It has been suggested "Theophilus" was the name this Gentile nobleman chose at his conversion to Christianity.

Evidently Luke had fully instructed him in the cardinal truths of the Gospel.

Luke 1:3

Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorableTheophilus,